Rivals in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book

Image from Google

Book Two in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Great

Pages: 337

Released: 2011

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information by Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

As the daughter of a Duke, Elizabeth Stafford's future seems bright. But when she is betrothed to Thomas Howard she must sacrifice all for duty. Elizabeth is surprised by her new husbands passion, but when he takes a mistress she is determined to fight for her love and honour. Together Elizabeth and Bess Holland compete for Thomas's affections, but neither can satisfy Thomas's desire for the Howard name to become part of the Royal bloodline. 

 

First Line:

"Thomas Howard, January 1547 -

Two bitches, a bewildered dolt, and a hothead have condemned me to this wretched place."

 

Review:

Rivals in the Tudor Court beautifully captures the many facets of human nature. This book completely lays bare all the characters souls and allows you to see every inch of their character. I have never read a book quite like this. Its told from three POV's: Thomas Howard, Elizabeth Howard and Bess Holland. The story is beautifully written. You follow each character as they struggle with the ups and downs of life as part of the Tudor Court. Each went on a journey of self discovery that by the end of the book they have all self reflected and know who they truly are, and they can all be at peace with their actions of the past. Darcey Bonnette's writing style is one of the best I've ever read, and it was a shame to finish reading this book.   

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone over 18 as there are scenes of an adult nature.

Betrayal in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

 Book Three in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 347

Released: 2012

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Lady Cecily Burkhart is orphaned at eight years old and sent to live with Lord Hal and his family. There she meets Hal's devout daughter, Mirabella and the family's tutor and priest: Father Alec. As the family slowly falls apart, Cecily must hold them together. But as a mutual attraction between her and Father Alec grows, Mirabella becomes plagued with jealousy and she starts a chain of dramatic events that threaten to destroy them all...

 

First Line:

"Lincolnshire, England. Summer, 1527 -

She hid in her mother's wardrobe."

 

Review:

This was definitely my favourite of the Tudor Court Trilogy. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, everything. For me, this book gave me a more emotional response then the others. Again, this was due to Darcey's beautifully created characters. She can create a lead character you can route for from the start, a romance that makes you heart ache and a villain you actually want to punch in the face. The villain in this book is what made this book the best of the trilogy in my eyes. To have such an emotional reaction to a character is rarely something I experience, so when I experience it (with a character/plot) I know I'm holding a truly fantastic book in my hands.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone whose over 18, or a history fanatic, or anyone looking for a new book.